Iga Swiatek has admitted she is not always “constant” in her approach and has “random thoughts” during matches ahead of the 2024 Madrid Open final.
The world No 1 also assessed that she has not yet played a match against one of her main rivals where she has performed “better tactically from start to finish.”
Swiatek will face world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final on Saturday in what will be the pair’s 10th encounter. She holds a 6-3 head-to-head advantage against the Belarusian.
The Polish star is looking to win the Madrid Open for the first time, having lost to Sabalenka in three sets in the 2023 title match.
The 22-year-old, who holds an 8-2 record in WTA 1000 finals, is seeking her third title of the year after triumphs in Qatar and Indian Wells.
After crushing Madison Keys 6-1, 6-3 in the semi-finals in Madrid, Swiatek reflected on her run to the final and discussed her mental approach.
“In most of these matches you can see the result, but there is a lot beyond that to work on,” Swiatek said in her press conference.
“I wouldn’t say it was easy because at the beginning I didn’t have much time to adapt to the conditions and that’s what I had to do during the tournament.
“But overall my matches have been pretty good, playing efficiently. So I am happy to be able to play like this and to be fresh even before the final.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t have random thoughts. I have them, but the question is what are you going to do with them.
“I wouldn’t say my approach is constant always because some days are better and some days are worse, but even if with a little bit worse, I know I can still play good tennis and win.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion also highlighted the importance of sticking to her game plan when facing fellow elite players ahead of her latest clash with Sabalenka.
“I wouldn’t say we’re trying to figure it out because we know how it should play, but it hasn’t been easy to implement at times,” she added.
“So I still feel like I haven’t played that match where you play better tactically from start to finish against these players.
“That’s something I want to improve. It’s not that we need to change many things, but we do have to stick to the plan and sometimes I have to apply it a little better.”
